Below is a summary assembled by the Research & Innovation Office (RIO). Please see the full solicitation for complete information about the funding opportunity.

Program Summary

The mission of The G. Harold and Leila Y. Mathers Foundation is to advance knowledge in the life sciences by sponsoring scientific research that will benefit mankind. Basic scientific research, with potential translational application, is central to this goal, and fundamental to our operating principles.

The foundation primarily supports basic science with potential translational applications in areas such as immunology, microbiome, structural biology, cellular physiology, cancer biology, genetics, genomics, microbiology and infectious diseases, stem cell biology, and neuroscience.

The foundation does not fund research in Covid-19, plant biology, oceanography, space exploration, global warming, medical imaging technology, or electrical engineering technology development. Additionally, research involving human subjects, clinical trials, drug discovery, or pre-clinical drug development is not supported.

Renewal applications for the same or related research are not given priority. Re-applications should explore new directions or emphasize new potential translational aspects, rather than merely extending previously funded research. Funding for previously federally supported research or applications pending federal approval is also not prioritized.

Mathers Foundation reviewers seek innovative, novel proposals with scientific merit and established proof of concept, which may not be fundable at the federal level. Currently, we do not offer advice on proposed project ideas or screen LOIs before submission. The website provides sufficient guidance for potential research projects.

Deadlines

CU Internal Deadline: 11:59pm MST August 29, 2024

Sponsor Registration Deadline (required by PI): 6:00pm MST September 20, 2024

Sponsor Letter of Intent Deadline: 6:00pm MST October 4, 2024

Sponsor Application Deadline (by invitation): 6:00pm MST December 6, 2024

Internal Application Requirements (all in PDF format)

  • Letter of Intent (4 pages maximum): Please include: 1) a clear description of the project for both a highly educated lay audience and a scientific review board, including collaborators and their contributions (7,000-character limit; avoid using "<" and ">" symbols due to technical issues); 2) detailed experimental aims and sub-aims. (2,000-character limit); 3) proof of concept and its validation, including any relevant publications. (2,000-character limit); and 4) a summary of your most impactful discoveries and/or top publications. This summary does not need to be related to the proposed project. (2,500-character limit, including spaces).
  • PI Curriculum Vitae
  • Budget Overview (1 page maximum): A basic budget outlining project costs over 3 years is sufficient; detailed OCG budgets are not required. Total project budget cannot exceed $600,000-700,000.

To access the online application, visit:

Eligibility

The foundation primarily supports basic science with potential translational applications in areas such as immunology, microbiome, structural biology, cellular physiology, cancer biology, genetics, genomics, microbiology and infectious diseases, stem cell biology, and neuroscience.

Collaborative research projects with other U.S.-based organizations are acceptable. However, collaborations with organizations outside the U.S. are discouraged and will be given lower priority.

Limited Submission Guidelines

Eligible institutions are limited to three (3) letters of intent per grant cycle.

Award Information

Award Amount: $600K - $700K

Award Duration: 3 years

Review Criteria

In general, the Mathers Foundation reviewers look for innovative, novel proposals, which have scientific merit with an established published proof of concept, and which may not be fundable at the federal level.Ìý